We live in a world of contrast, a world of extremes - opposing ideas, concepts, forces. Heat and cold, north and south, up and down, the yin and yang of life, masculine and feminine energies. And of course there is light and dark - white and black, with all the shades and colours in between. Let’s face it - the world in which we find ourselves can be a right mish-mash of colourful delight! 

In my paintings, I have relied heavily on contrast - transparent and opaque, colourful and drab, light and shade. My work was studied in UK art foundation courses a decade or so ago for its quality of light. I’m sure this wouldn’t have happened if not for the equally important quality of darkness, or shadow.

Human beings have a tendency, especially in this age of ‘love and light’, to value light more than shadow. Darkness can often be equated with the unknown, uncertainty and fear. Light and dark have even become symbols of good and evil. My work as an artist can only be informed by the essence of who I am. And, in more ways than one, I am a person who places equal value on light and shadow: artistically of course, but also psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, metaphysically, etc. So many people do not want to look at the shadow, (especially their own), turning away from it in fear. I believe this to be unhealthy, and will eventually produce dis-ease. 

As a painter, a musician and a poet/writer, I will sincerely continue to evoke the darkness, as well as light; to encourage letting go of judgement in order to fully realise the yin and yang of life - the balance in all things. Where there is light, there has to be shadow - and it’s all okay. 

Steve Slimm  - March 2023